Apparatus for supporting portable radio sets



June 3, 1947. H, iTcHELL 2,421,516

APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PORTABLE RADIO SET Filed March 29, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet l fzyejzz ar' June 3, 1947. c L 2,421,516

APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PORTABLE RADIO SET Filed March 29, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 3, 1947. D. H. MITCHELL 2,421,516

APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PORTABLE RADIO SET Filed March 29, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 COMB/NED RADIO 35 3/ TRANSMITTER AND ' RECE/ VER CIR cu/ T l? F514 if 4526 M 4% w,

Patented June 3, 1947 APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING PORTABLE RADIO SETS Donald H. Mitchell, Chicago, 111., assignor to Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application March 29, 1943, Serial No. 480,924

15 Claims.

The present invention relates to radio equipment which is adapted for portable or fixed position use and more particularly to improvements in apparatus for quickly mounting and adapting for fixed position use a complete self-contained portable radio set. Reference is made to my copending application Serial No. 431,722, filed February 20, 1942, disclosing and claiming a self-- contained portable radio set and to divisional applications thereof Serial No. 481,196, filed March 31, 1943, Serial No. 579,003, filed February 21, 1945, and Serial No. 673,219, filed May 31, 1946. Reference is also made to my copending application Serial No. 543,167, filed July 1, 1944, relating to a modified portable radio set.

In military and police radio communication work, it is particularly desirable from the standpoint of unnecessary duplication of equipment, to utilize a dual purpose radio set which may be easily and quickly adapted for use as a complete self-contained portable unit or as an integral part of a fixed position unit of the character utilized in air craft, automotive vehicles and the like. For two-way communication purposes, it is desirable to use a combination radio transmitter and receiver, all components of which are mounted within or carried by a single housing. When a dual purpose set of this character is to be used, speed is essential in the mounting of the set on the supporting apparatm and in the detachment of the set from the supporting apparatus. Moreover, a dual purpose set is, of necessity, provided with certain control elements which must bemanually manipulated in operating the set of a portable unit. It is obviously not desirable to mechanically alter or physically rearrange such control elements incident to the conversion of the set from a portable unit to a fixed position unit.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide improved and exceedingly simple apparatus for supporting a self-contained portable radio set, which apparatus is so arranged that a set may be mounted thereon to provide a completely usable fixed position unit with a minimum number of simple operations.

According to another object of the invention, all required circuit switching operations and relative positioning of the control parts of the set and the supporting apparatus are automatically accomplished incident to the positioning of the set on the supporting apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved bracket for supporting a portable and completely self-contained radio set in a fixed position, which bracket is provided with the 2 necessary circuit and control elements required to adapt the portable set for fixed position use.

In accordance with another object of the invention, connectors respectively carried by the supporting bracket and the set and provided with mating contactsare utilized to establish the circuit connections required for fixed position use of the set, and an improved force multiplying arrangement is provided for at least partially disengaging the mating contacts of the connectors when the set is to be detached from the supporting bracket.

According to a further object of the invention, the bracket is also equipped with improved facilities for permitting remote control of a circuit control switch carried by and forming an integral part of the set.

According to a still further object of the invention, provisions are made for preventing a sudden application of force to the actuating element of the control switch when the remotely located control element for the switch is too abruptly operated.

In accordance with a further object of the invention, an improved arrangement is provided on the supporting bracket, which may be remotely controlled to actuate a change-over switch forming an integral part of the set and utilized to selectively condition the circuit equipment of the set for transmission or reception.

In accordance with still another object of the invention, provisions are made for automatically switching the antenna circuit of the set from a connection with the built-in antenna of the set to a connection with a second antenna which is divorced from the set, incident to the positioning of the set on the supporting bracket.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an exceedingly simple arrangement for altering one of the circuits of the set and for concurrently establishing an external connection with a portion of the altered circuit incident to the positioning of the set on the supporting bracket.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved and exceedingly simple switching device which is adapted for mounting on the chassis of the set and may be controlled by a contact pin inserted through an opening in the wall of the set housing to effect a desired alteration in the circuit arrangement of the set.

According to still another object of the invention, the bracket is provided with an improved arrangement for at least partially enclosing the projecting portion of the built-in antenna of the set in order to guard or shield this antenna against breakage when the set is held in supported position upon the bracket.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a complete self-contained portable transmitting and receiving set supported upon improved supporting apparatus characterized by the features of the present invention, together with the additional equipment required for adapting the set for fixed position use;

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating the supporting bracket assembly forming a part of the equipment shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the combination radio transmitter and receiver set when detached from the supporting bracket assembly shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an underside view of the supporting bracket illustrating the manner in which the circuit and control equipment required for fixed use of the portable set are mounted within the channel of the supporting bracket assembly;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation View, partially in section, illustrating the supporting bracket assembly with the set mounted thereon, which shows the mode of remotely controlling the changeover switch forming an integral part of the set;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the lines 65 of Fig. 5, illustrating the details of the force multiplying device which is utilized to partially detach the set from the supporting bracket assembly when it is desired to remove the set from the bracket assembly for portable use;

Fig. 7 is a view, partially schematic and partially in section, illustrating the improved switching device for selectively connecting the antenna circuit of the set either to the built-in antenna of the set or to a second antenna which is divorced from the set;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the switching device shown in Fig. 7, but with the elements of the device shown in different positions; and

Fig. 9 is a detail view illustrating certain of the parts of the changeover switch control mechanism mounted on the bracket assembly.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, the apparatus there illustrated comprises a complete self-contained radio transmitting and receiving set l which is supported upon a bracket assembly H and may be connected by means of the circuit conductors of a plug and jack connected cord [2 with the circuit control and circuit connecting elements of a control box 13. The portable set I0 is of the improved form described and claimed in applicants copending application Serial No. 431,722, filed February 20, 1942, with certain modifications, described below, incorporated therein to render the set readily adaptable for fixed position use. In brief, all elements of the set are sealed within a housing lfia which is substantially square in cross sectional configuration and is adapted to be held in one hand of an operator when the set is being used as a portable unit. This housing is provided with two projecting cylindrical housing portions lllb and 100 along one wall thereof, which re spectively house the transmitter or microphone assembly 14 and receiver or sound reproducing assembly l of the set. The distance between the cylindrical housing portions 10b and [0c is such that the sound transmission openings through the front walls of the transmitter and receiver assemblies are located in juxtaposition with the mouth and ear, respective1y,of the operator when properly held in the hand of an operator. For the purpose of selectively altering the arrangement of the circuit equipment mounted within the housing lfla in order to adapt the set either for transmission or reception, a change-over switching mechanism indicated generally at I8 is provided which includes an actuating element 15a projecting outwardly from the side wall Hid of th housing. This assembly is rendered moisture proof by suitably enclosing the actuating mechanism thereof with a preformed rubber cover [62) which is clamped to the outer surface of the wall Hid in the manner illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. In order to adapt this switching mechanism for selective control from a remote point when the set is supported upon the bracket assembly H for fixed position use, a Bowden wire I! is provided which terminates at a pull knob I8 and extending Within the bracket assembly through a guide sleeve [9.

The set 10 also comprises a built-in collapsible antenna 20 of the sectionalized telescopic type which, when the set is not in use as a portable unit, is telescoped into the housing 10a. An antenna protector cap 2| is utilized to shield the projecting portion of the antenna against damage when the set is not in use, this cap being provided with an internally threaded portion at the open end thereof which is adapted to be screwed onto an externally threaded sleeve extending outwardly and mounted upon the hinged end closure 10] of the housing [0a. In order to permit the chassis 9, the batteries and the other circuit equipment of the set to be Withdrawn from the housing lfla for inspection, replacement and repairs, the end of the housing nearest the microphone assembly I 4 is provided with an end closure [0e which is hinged to the back side of the housing Ma and is normally held in its closed position by means of a swivel bolt 22. This cove plate is provided along its upper edge, as viewed in Fig. 3, with a multi-contact female connector 23 through which connections to the circuit equipment of the set may be made when the set is supported upon the bracket II for fixed position use. For the purpose of making the required connections between the circuits of the set and the contacts of the connector 23, without interfering with the opening and closing of the end closure lfle, the chassis 9, as viewed in Fig, 3, is provided with an end terminal wall of insulating material, which carries stationary contact points 9a. These contact points are adapted to be engaged by corresponding spring biased contact points 8a carried by an insulating wall 8 suitably mounted Within the cavity of the end closure me, when this closure is rotated to close the end of housing 10a. Circuit conductors, not shown by disposed rearwardly of the wall 8 are utilized to connect the stationary parts of the contacts 8a with the corresponding contacts or terminals of the connector 23. Normally, i. e., when the set is detached from the supporting bracket II for use as a portable unit, the set may be conditioned for operation by the simple expedient of Withdrawing the sectionalized antenna from the housing Illa until it occupies its fully extended position. More specifically, movement of this antenna to its extended position automatically eflfects the operation of a switch mounted within the housing Illa,

which switch acts to close the circuit for energizing; thecathode heaters of the tubes provided. in

the circuit network ofthe system. Two of the contacts included inthe connector assembly 23 vorced from the set when the set is supported for fixed position use, a combination connector and switching assembly 24 is provided. In brief, this assembly, which is best shown in Figs. 3, 7 and 8 of the drawings, comprises a pair of matching parts 24a and 24b formed of molded Bakelite or other insulating material, which are suitably mounted upon the chassis of the set and are held in assembled relationship by means of one or more assembly screws 24c. These two parts ar provided with registering openings therethrough, within which the circuit elements of the combination connector and switch mechanism are disposed; More specifically, a metal pin 25, which is conductively connected to the built-in antenna of the set, is molded or otherwise introduced into the lower insulating part 24a so that it extends transversely of the opening through this insulating part. This pin supports a cup shaped movable metallic contact element 26 which is normally biased upward under the influence of a coil spring 21 resting upon the pin 25, so that the upper peripheral portions thereof engage the lower bent over surfaces of a metal contact in the form of a ferrule 28 which is disposed in the opening through the upper insulating part 242). A stepped insulating part 26a, provided with a button portion which extends through an opening in the upper wall of the contact cup 26, is glued within the cavity of the contact cup to permit breaking of the electrical connection between the cup and the ferrule 28. The ferrule 28, together with the contact cup 26, the spring 21 and the pin 25, are ncrmallyincluded in the antenna ground circuit of the set, the circuit elements of which are collectively indicated at 29. In order to tune this antenna ground circuit to the fixed frequency of carrier transmission and reception, a tuning condenser 30 and inductance element 3| are also serially included in the antenna ground circuit.

For the purpose of permitting the above described connector and switching assembly 24 to be. actuated to disconnect the antenna 23 from the antenna ground circuit of the system and to connect anexternal vehicle antenna, such, for example, as the antenna 32, the insulating parts 24a and 24b, together with the circuit elements supported thereto, are mounted upon the chassis of the set at a point adjacent the wall [0d of the housing Illa with the bore of the ferrule 28 extending normal to the surface of the wall IOd.

An opening 33 is provided in this wall adjacent the ferrule '28 to permit an expansible antenna pin 34, suitably mounted upon the bracket I I and coupled to the vehicular antenna 32, to be projected into the bore of the ferrule until it engages the tip of the insulating part 26a carried by the contact element 26. Further movement of'the antenna jack pin 34 into the ferrule 28, causes the contact element 26-to be disengaged from the ferrule so that the antenna. 2|] is disconnected from the antenna'ground circuit of the set. Since the electricalcharacteristics of the antenna 20 will, in the usual-case. be substantially different from those of any vehicle antenna 32, and the For the purpose of closing the opening 33 through the wall Illd to provide a moisture-proof seal thereover when the set is detached from the bracket I I for portable use, a closure assembly is provided which comprises a gasket or sealing washer 36, a thin resilient spring element 31 and a combination cover and guide element 38, arrangedin stacked or superimposed relation and clamped at the outer edges thereof to the wall Illd by means of screws 39a, Figs. 7 and 8. The cover or guide element 38 is flanged around its outer periphery so that the top wall thereof is displaced from the resilient element 31 to provide a guideway for receiving a slidable cover 39. The cover. 39 and the intermediate element 31 of the assembly are provided with openings which register with the opening 33-through the wall Illd and thatin the guide plate 38 is cut back from the openin 33 in order to permit the cover 39 to be slid back to a position where it no longer overlies the registering openings through the element 3! and the wall I 003. The portion of the cover 39 which normallyoverlies the opening 33 serrated in order to permit ready actuation of the cover between its two positions.

Referring now more particularly to the arrangement of the-bracket assembly II as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings, this assembly comprises a channel shaped base member 40 andtwo end members M and 42. More specifically, the base member 40 isprovided with an upper or supporting wall 40a having an opening 43g therein for receiving the projecting parts of the change-over switch assembly l6, two downwardly extending side walls 4% and 490, and two inwardly extending flanges 40d and 406 which are provided with suitable threaded openings 4W therein for receiving the threaded ends of mounting screws which may be utilized for clamping the bracket assembly rigidly to a table, shelf, or the like. Suitable rubber grommets 43, inserted in openingsprovided at opposite ends of the two flanges 40d and 406, are provided for cushioning the bracket assembly I I against the transmission of mechanical vibrations to a set supported thereon. The end member 4| is substantially U-shaped in cross section, and is provided with a base portion 4la which overlies and closes one end. of the channel shaped base member 43 and with side portions 4 lb and 4 I0 which extend along the side walls 401) and 430 of the base member 49 and are secured thereto by means of bolts 44. The member 4! also includes an integrally formed platform portion which extends laterally beneath the under side of the Wall 4011 and is bolted to this wall to strengthen the structure. Portions of the end member base and side walls 4m, MD and 4 lo project upwardly away from the supporting wall 40a of the base member 40 to provide a recess for receiving and restraining against lateral movement one end of the set II! when the set issupported upon the bracket assembly. This end member is also provided with an opening through the lower portion of the base wall 41a thereof, through which the terminals of the connecting cord plug i2a, may be inserted into the matching terminal receiving openings of a multiterminal female connector or jack 45 which is suitably mounted upon the inner side of the end member 4| within the channel of the base member 45. For the purpose of closing the terminal receiving opening through the wall 4la of the end member 4| when the plug !2a is disconnected from the female connector 45, a closure plate 46 pivotally mounted at 41 adjacent one end of the opening is provided. This cover plate is provided with a slot at its opposite end for receiving a clamping screw 48 threaded into the Wall 41a of the member 4 I. A second openin is also provided in the end member wall 41a for receiving the Bowden wire ll. At opposite sides of this opening, suitable threaded drill holes are provided for receiving screws 49 which may be utilized to mount either the guide sleeve I9 or a cover plate 50 upon the wall 4 la of the end member 4|.

The end member 42, disposed at the opposite end of the base member 40, is also provided with an end wall portion which closes the channel end of the base member and with side portions 42b and 420 for embracing the side walls of the set In when this set is supported upon the bracket assembly. This member, which is mounted upon the base member 4!! by mean of rivet extending through the side portions thereof and through the side walls of the base member 40, is also provided with a portion 42a which is adapted to be engaged by the end of the set In to prevent movement of the set longitudinally along the base member 40. The end member 42 is also provided with an integrally formed platform 42c which extends beneath the underside of the base member wall 46a and is riveted to this wall to enhance the rigidity of the structure. For the purpose of guarding the antenna 2| of the set against damage due to collision with other objects when the set is mounted upon the bracket assembly H, the end member 42 is also provided with an integrally formed, laterally projecting portion 42d which is shaped to define a trench or channel for receiving the cap enclosed antenna so that this antenna is partially enclosed thereby.

In order to make the necessary connections required for use of the set ID as a fixed position unit, incident to the positioning of this set upon the bracket assembly ll, a multiterminal plug or male type of connector 52 is suitably mounted upon the underside of the wall 48a at the end of this wall adjacent the end member 4|. This connector is provided with contact elements which project through an opening out in the wall 46a and are arranged for mating engagement with the terminals or contacts of the female connector 23 provided in the set In. An antenna lug assembly 53, provided with a porcelain insulator column 53a, is also mounted on the underside of the wall 45a in the proper position for the antenna plug 34, which projects through an opening in the wall 43a of the base member 40, to matingly engage the ferrule 28.

For the purpose oi breaking the frictional engagement between the terminals of the male connector 45 and the terminals of the female connector 23 and the additional purpose of partially withdrawing the antenna plug 34 from the ferrule 28, a force multiplying arrangement is provided to exert pressure on the underside Hid of the housing Illa. This arrangement, as best shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, comprises a lever 54 which is pivotally mounted at '55 upon a supporting bracket 55 which extends between and is suitably secured to the side walls b and 400 of the base member 40. Th lever 54 includes an actuating portion 54b which extends through a slot 51 cut vertically in the side wall 40b, and a rounded camming portion 54a which is adapted to be projected through a slot 58 cut transversely of the base member supporting wall 40a. The lever 54 is also provided with a laterally extending thumb platform 540 which may be engaged by the thumb of an operator to depress the lever for the purpose of projecting the camming end 54a thereof through the slot 58 to exert pressure against the underside of the housing wall Id. In order to prevent the camming end 54a of the lever 54 from rubbing across the outer surface of the housing wall Illa when the actuating portion 54b of the lever is depressed, a flat spring element 59 is disposed flatwise over the slot 58, and is anchored at one end to the supporting wall 40a by means of a screw 50. The opposite or free end of the spring element 59 extends through a small opening 6! provided in the base member supporting wall 4011.

For the purpose of selectively operating the actuating element 16a of the change-over switch assembly l6, thereby to condition the set for transmission when supported upon the bracket assembly II, a switch control mechanism is rockably supported within the channel of the base member 40. In brief, this mechanism comprises a rocker arm 52 mounted for rotation about a rod 63 and provided with a pair of cam rollers 64 at the extended end thereof, which are adapted to engage the switch actuating element lSa of the change-over switch assembly l6 through the rubber cover forming a part of this assembly. The rod 63, which extends transversely of and is suitably mounted upon the side walls 40b and 400 of the base member 40, also pivotally supports two integrally formed but angularly spacedapart actuating arms 65 and 66. These arms are respectively provided at the extended ends thereof with connecting pins 61 and 68, each of which is adapted to receive and pivotally support the terminating collar 69 of the Bowden wire IT. The arms 65 and 65 are connected to actuate the rocker arm 62 through a resilient connection which includes a coil spring 15 having its opposite ends respectively anchored at the arms 62 and 65. With this arrangement, the force initially applied by the arm 82 to the switch actuating element lEa by rotating the arms 65 and 66 about the rod 63, is transmitted through the coil spring 70, this spring being coiled to resist relative movement between the arm 62 and the two arms and 66 in the direction of force transmission. Thus a cushioning arrangement is provided for preventing sharp pulls on the Bowden wire ll from producing a sharp impact of the rollers 64 against the actuating element 16a of the changeover switch assembly [6. As shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings, the extent of the permissible relative movement between the rocker arm 62 and the two actuating arms and E6 is limited by providing loosely interfitting shoulders 62a and 65a at the hubs of the rocker arm and actuating arm structures. These interfitting shoulders are so constructed as to permit a small amount of relative movement between the arms 55, B6 and the arm 62 before two of the shoulders come into engagement to establish a direct mechanical con- .nection'between theactuating arms and the actuatingelement [6a of the change-over switch mechanism. In order to retain the arms 62, {i and'BS in theproperposition along the shaft 53, sleeves "H and T2 are telescoped over the shaft. These sleeves are of the appropriate length to prevent the arms 82,55 and 66 from sliding along the shaft 83, and the outer ends thereof butt against the inner sides of the base member walls 48b and 480, respectively.

As best shown in Fig. 5 of thedrawings, the two actuating arms 65 and'65 are provided in order to enable the Bowden wire I! to be brought into the channel defined by the side walls of the base member 48 either through the above described opening in the end member 4| or through an opening in the flange 40d of the base member More specifically, if the particular location of the supporting bracket assembly I I requires that the Bowden wire be pulled in a direction extending longitudinally of the base member 40, the rocker arm 65 may be used as the terminating arm for the Bowden wire; in which case the wire is extended through the opening provided in the end member 4| and the guide sleeve I9 is a nected to the pin 68 of the actuating arm 65,

andthe wire projected downwardly through the bottom side of the base member 40. In order to adapt'the bracket assembly for the last-mentioned type of Bowden wire control, theflange 40d of the base member 40 is provided with a recess '13 which is cut back from the inner edge of the flange at a point along its length in vertical alignment with the pin 68 carried by the end of the actuating arm 66. A suitable guide plate 14, having a wire guide slot 14a cut transversely thereacross from the inner edge thereof, is mounted upon the upper surface of the flange 40d by means of assembly screws 15. These screws may also be utilized to mount the sleeve l9 upon the flange 40d in the manner indicated in dash lines inFig. 5 of the drawings, when the Bowden wire is to be extended through the guide slot 14 for termination at the pin58 carried by the actuating arm 66.

All of the circuit elements required to adapt the set ID for fixed position use, with the exception of the microphone transformer which is mounted within the control box l3, are mounted within the closed channel formed by the walls of the end and base member 40, 4| and 42. These elements include, in addition to those already mentioned, the adjustable antenna tuning condenser 35 which, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings, is mounted upon'the side wall 401) of the base member 48 by means of mounting screws 15, shownin Fig. 1. This condenser is of the adjustable, spaced e1ectrode,'type, and is provided with an adjustable'plate carrying rotor 11 having an end which projects through an opening 18 providedin the side wall 40b of the base member 40, so that the settin of the rotor may be adjusted as desired. The circuit equipment disposed within the channel of the base member 40 also includes a head set matching transformer 19 which is suitably mounted upon the inner side of the base member side wall 480. Antenna and ground terminals 88 and 8l, the first of which is insulated from the base member 40 and both of vwhich aresuitably mounted upon the side wall 401) thereof, are, provided for making connections to the antenna and ground conductors of the vehicle in which the bracket assembly is mounted.

For the purpose of retaining the set H! in supported position upon the base member 48, and all-metal clamping assembly is provided. This assembly includes two anchor plates'82 and 83 which are rivet connected to the side walls'40c and 402), respectively, of the base member 40; resilient preformed metal straps 84 and 85 which are axis connected to the anchor plates 82 and 83, respectively; and a toggle type of clasp mechanism which comprises a clasp hook 85 riveted to the free end of the strap.84, 9, toggle member 8? axis mounted on the free end of the strap85, and a hook clasp 88 which is axis mounted on the free end of the toggle member 81.

in considering the operation of the radio set as, both when utilized as a, portable set and when supported upon the bracket assembly H to function as a fixed position unit, it will be understood that when the set is. detached from the bracket assembly II it may be conditioned for operation by removing the antenna cap 25 and withdrawing the antenna from the housing Illa. In response to this operation, the antenna control switch is actuated to energize the cathode heaters of the tubes provided in the set, whereby the set is automatically set for signal reception at the preestablished carrier frequency at which it is designed to operate. With the set conditioned for operation and held in aposition such that the microphone and receiver assemblies l4 and I5 are respectively positioned adjacent the mouth and ear of theoperator, the spring biased actuating element Ilia of change-over switch 6 may be depressed at will for the purpose of rearranging the circuit elements of the set so that the set is conditioned forsignal transmission at the preestablished carrier frequency.

In order to mount the set upon the bracket assembly ||,.the slidablecover 39 is pushed to its retracted position to expose the ferrule 28 through the opening 33provided in the wall "id of the'housing Illa. Before placing the set on the bracket assembly the antenna 20 should of course be retracted to its collapsed position and the cap2l placed thereover. After these operations have been performed, the set may be bodily positioned upon the base member 40 with the wall Hid of the housing lfla facing the supporting Wall 48a of the base member 40 and with the end cover I86 positioned adjacent the end member 4| of the bracket assembly. With the set thus positioned and as it is moved toward the base member 48, the terminals of the male connector 52 are projected within the terminal receiving openings of the connector 23 to mate with thecontacts of the latter connector. Also incident to movement of the set toward the base member 4|], the'antenna plug 34 is projected into the ferrule 28 to provide an antenna ground circuit which includes the external antenna 32 of the Vehicle in which the bracket assembly is mounted, the adjustable condenser 35, the antenna plug 34, the tuning condenser 30 and the inductance element 3|. After the end of the antennaplug 34 engages the insulating part 26a carried bythe contact cup 28 and during continued movement of the set In toward the bracket assembly II, the contact cup 26 is moved out of engagement with the ferrule 28 to remove the built-in antenna 20 of the set 10 from the antenna ground circuitof the system network. Also during movement of the set 10 toward the base member 43 the change-over switch I 6 is projected through the enlarged opening 40g provided in the supporting wall 40a so that the actuating element lSci thereof is positioned adjacent the roller 64 carried by the rocker arm 62. After the set H] is brought into resting engagement with the base member 49 the resilient straps 84 and 8-5 may be wrapped around the housing [a, and the toggle clasp mechanism actuated for the purpose of clamping the housing wall Hid against the supporting wall 42a of the base member 40.

After the set !0 has been thus rigidly mounted upon the bracket assembly I I, it may be remotely controlled to operate either as a transmitter or as a receiver. In this regard it is noted that four pairs of circuit paths are brought out to the control box 13 through the connector 45, the plug 12a, the cord [2 and the plug 121). These pairs of circuit paths are respectively terminated at the contact terminals of the microphone jack 13a, the head set jacks [3b and I30, the on and off switch l3d and the adjustable volume control resistor l3e, all of which are suitably mounted within the control box 13. More specifically, the jack [3a is adapted to receive the terminating plug of a cord extending to a transmitter or microphone; the jacks I31) and |3c are adapted to accommodate the terminating plugs of cords extending to two head sets; the on and off switch l3d includes contacts connected in parallel with the contacts of the antenna switch forming a part of the set In so that the cathode heater circuit of the set may be selectively controlled at will; and the volume control resistor i3e is connected to control the sound reproducing level of the set. It will also be understood that the Bowden wire H as connected either to the actuating arm 65 or the actuating arm 66, is suitably extended over rollers or the like to terminate at the knob [8 which is mounted upon the control panel of the vehicle in which the assembly l i and the control box 13 are provided. With the equipment arranged in this manner, the set ID ma be conditioned for operation by actuation of the switch I 301 to its on position. Also, the volume of signal reception may be determined at will by suitable adjustment of the volume control resistor I36. In order to alter the circuit equipment of the set so that the set is conditioned for signal transmission, the knob I8 is pulled to its extended position and held in that position so long as signal transmission continues. When this knob is pulled to rotate the actuating arms 65 and 65 through the Bowden wire length I I, force is transmitted through the spring 10 to the rocker arm 62 to operate the actuating element lfia of the change-over switch assembly IE to its depressed position, wherein the circuits of the set are arranged for signal transmission. When the knob I8 is released, the spring bias exerted against the underside of the switch actuating element lfia causes this element to be moved to its retracted position. Incident to the following rotation of the arms 62, B5 and 66, the Bowden wire l1 and the knob l8 are also moved to their retracted positions.

When it is desired to detach the set I 0 from the bracket assembly H, the clasp toggle mechanism is released; the strap members 84 and 85 are pivoted away from the housing Ma, and the lever 54 is depressed to exert pressure on the underside of the housing wall Hid, thereby to break th frictional engagement between the mating contacts of the two connectors 23 and 52. After these contacts have been partially disengaged, the housing IOa may be gripped by the hand of the operator and manually lifted away from the base member 40. After the set In is thus detached from the bracket assembly II the cover 39 may be slid back to its normal position wherein the opening 33 through the housing wall Hid is completely closed.

From the foregoing explanation it will be understood that the described equipment is well suited for either portable or fixed position use. The mechanical arrangement of the bracket assembly H permits of the use of a radio set H! which is of small size, light in weight and easy to manipulate by an operator. Moreover, the arrangement is such that all of the accessory equipment, required to convert the set from a portable unit to a fixed position unit, is mounted within a small space and is completely protected against damage due to collision with other objects. Further, the arrangement is such that the set may be either mounted upon or detached from the bracket assembly with only a very few simple operations which require a minimum of time.

While one embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein which are within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for supporting a portable radio set which is provided with an antenna projecting from one end of the housing therefor, comprising a base member, and end members projecting away from the supporting face of said base member and provided with end and side portions for embracing the end and side walls of a supported set to prevent relative lateral movement between the set and said base member, one of said end members being provided with a laterally extending portion shaped to receive and at least partially house the antenna of a set supported upon said base member.

2. Apparatus for supporting a portable radio set which is provided with an antenna projecting from one end of the housing therefor, comprising a channel shaped base member, end members closing the ends of said base member and provided with end and side portions which project away from the supporting surface of said base member and are adapted to receive a supported set and to restrain the supported set against lateral movement relative to said base member, one of said end members being provided with a laterally extending portion shaped to at least partially enclose the antenna of a supported set, means for retaining a set in supported position on said base member, and circuit equipment mounted upon said base member and disposed within the closed channel defined by said base member and said end members.

3. Apparatus for supporting a portable radio set which is provided with a multicontact connector along one wall of the housing therefor, comprising a bracket, a connector mounted on said bracket and provided with contacts disposed to mate with the connector contacts of a set supported on said bracket, means for clamping a set to said bracket with the connector contacts of th set mating with the contacts of said second named connector, and means comprising a force multiplying lever rockably supported on said bracket for at least partially disengaging the mating contacts of the connectors, thereby to facilitate removal of said set from said bracket.

4.;Apparatus for supporting a portable radio set which is provided with a multicontact connector along one wall of the housing therefor, a channel shaped supporting member, a connector mounted on said member and provided with contacts disposed to mate with the connector contacts of a set supported on said bracket, said supporting member having laterally aligned slots in the supporting wall and one of the side walls thereof at a point therealong which is adjacent the connector mounted on said member, and a forc multiplying lever rockably mounted within the channel of said supporting member and provided with an operating portion extending throughthe slot in the side wall portionofsaid supporting member and with a camming portion which is adapted to be projected through the other of said slots to at least partially disengage the mating contacts of the connectors.

5. Apparatus for supporting a portable radio set which is provided with a multicontact connector along one wall of the housing therefor, a channel shaped supporting member, a connector mounted on said member and provided with contacts disposed to mate with the connector contacts of a set supported on said member, said supporting member having laterally aligned slots in the supporting wall and one of the side walls thereof at a point therealong which is adjacent the connector mounted on said member, a force multiplying lever rockably mounted within the channel of said supporting member and provided with an operating portion extending through the slot in the side wall portion of said supporting member and with a camming portion which is adapted to be projected through the other of said slots to at least partially disengage the mating contacts of the connectors, and a spring element covering said other slot to prevent the camming portion of said lever from engaging the wall of a set supported upon said member.

6. In combination with a portable radio set which is provided with a circuit control switch having an actuating element disposed along one wall of the housing for the set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, and a switch actuating device rockably mounted on said bracket in coactive relationship with the actuating element of said switch when said set is supported on said bracket, said device being provided with two angularly displaced arms which may respectively be pulled from different directions to effect actuation of said element.

7. In combination with a self contained portable radio set which includes a circuit control switch having an actuating element projecting outwardly from one wall of the housing therefor, said actuating element being a non-removable component of said set and being movable relative to said one wall between two circuit control settings, a channel shaped supporting member which forms in itself a complete support for said set, said member having an opening in the supporting wall thereof for receiving the actuating element of said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said member, and switch actuating means supported within the channel of said member as a non-removable part thereof, said switch actuating means being positioned in coactive relationship with the actuating element of said circuit control switch when said set is supported on said member and being operable to actuate said actuating element between said two settings.

1.4 I 8. In combination with a portable radio:.set which is provided with a circuit control switch having an actuating element biased to project outwardly from one wall of the housing for the set and adapted to be depressed toward said one :wallof said housing, a channel shaped supporting member provided with an opening in the supporting' walltthereoffor receiving the actuating element of said switch, means for retaining said set in supported position on said member, and a switch actuating device rockably mounted on said member within the channel of said member and provided with an arm for depressing said actuating element when said device is rocked.

9. In combination with a portable radio set which is provided with a circuit control switch having a contact controllable through an opening in one wall of the housing for the set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, and means carried by said bracket adapted to extend through said opening in said housing for actuating said contact from one position to a second position in response to the placing of said set on said bracket.

10. In combination with a self-contained portable radio set which is provided with an antenna and an antenna circuit and includes circuit switching means controllable through an opening in one wall of the housing for the set to switch said circuit from a connection with said antenna to a connection with an antenna divorced from said set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, and means carried by said bracket and engageable with said switching means incident to the placing of said set on said bracket for actuating said switching means.

11. In combination with a self-contained portable radio set which is provided with an antenna and an antenna circuit and includes circuit switching means controllable through an opening in one wall of the housing for the set to switch said circuit from a connection with said antenna to a connection with an antenna divorced from said set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, means carried by said bracket and engageable with said switching means incident to the placing of said set on said bracket for actuating said switching means, and means for closing the opening in said one wall of said housing when said set is detached from said bracket.

12. A portable radio set comprising a housing having an opening in one wall thereof, an antenna circuit comprising at least one circuit element disposed within said housing, an antenna supported by said housing and normally connected to said antenna circuit, and switching means disposed within said housing and controllable by an antenna pin inserted through the opening in said housing to disconnect said antenna circuit from said antenna and to establish a connection between the antenna pin and said circuit.

13. In combination with a portable radio set which is provided with a circuit control switch having an actuating element disposed along one wall of the housing for the set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, a second actuating element mounted on said bracket in coactive relationship with the actuating element of said circuit control switch when said set is supported on said bracket, an operating element 15 mounted on said bracket, and a yielding connection between said operating element and said second actuating element.

14. In combination with a portable radio set which is provided with a circuit control switch having an actuating element disposed along one wall of the housing for the set, a bracket for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said bracket, switch actuating means mounted on said bracket in coactive relationship with the actuating element of said circuit control switch when said set is supported on said bracket, and yielding means included in said actuating means to prevent sudden applications of force to said actuating element.

15. In combination with a portable radio set which is provided with a circuit control switch having an actuating element disposed along one wall of the housing for the set, a channel shaped supporting member for supporting said set, means for retaining said set in supported position on said member, a second actuating element rockably supported by said member within the channel of said member in a position to operate the actuating element of said circuit control switch when said set is supported on said bracket, an operating element rockably supported by said member within the channel of said member in axial alignment with said second actuating element, and spring means providing a yielding force 16 transmitting connection between said second and operating elements, thereby to prevent sudden application of force to the actuating element of said control switch in response to sudden operation of said operating element.

DONALD H, MITCHELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,136,858 Michel Nov, 15, 1938 1,800,259 Mayrschofer Apr. 14, 1931 1,968,557 Johanson July 31, 1934 1,877,551 Bruce Sept. 13, 1932 2,299,058 Mitchell Oct. 13, 1942 994,996 Grimes June 13, 1911 2,077,284 Te Pas Apr. 13, 1937 1,997,254 Forsythe et al Apr. 9, 1935 2,265,998 Bruno Dec. 16, 1941 2,036,948 McNary Apr. 7, 1936 2,337,987 Galloway Dec. 28, 1943 2,319,527 Zavattaro May 18, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 327,467 Great Britain Apr, 10, 1930 253,329 Great Britain June 17, 1926 

